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Published on: August 2, 2018
Cell cycle and HIF-1 related gene expression alteration in thyroid cell lines under microgravity
Jong-Hyuk Ahn1, Jin Wook Yi2,3
1Department of Surgery, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
Background:
With growing interest in space exploration, understanding microgravity's impact on human health is essential. This study aims to investigate gene expression changes and migration and invasion potential in five thyroid-related cell lines cultured under simulated microgravity.
Methods:
Five thyroid-related cell lines-normal thyrocytes (Nthy-ori 3-1), papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) cells (SNU-790, TPC-1), poorly differentiated thyroid cancer cell (BCPAP), and anaplastic thyroid cancer cell (SNU-80)-were cultured under simulated microgravity (10-3 g) using a clinostat. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using cDNA microarray, followed by functional annotation and assessment of aggressiveness via Transwell migration and invasion assays.
Results:
DEG analysis under simulated microgravity revealed distinct gene expression profiles by gravity condition, with 2980 DEGs in SNU-790, 1033 in BCPAP, 562 in TPC-1, 477 in Nthy-ori 3-1, and 246 in SNU-80, as confirmed by hierarchical clustering. In PTC cell lines (SNU-790, TPC-1), G2-M phase-related genes were upregulated. In non-PTC cell lines (BCPAP, SNU-80), genes associated with innate immune response, Toll-like receptor signaling, were upregulated, whereas Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) signaling-related genes were downregulated. Additionally, under simulated microgravity, significant migration was observed in SNU-790 (3 × 104 cells) and BCPAP (2 × 104 and 3 × 104), while significant invasion occurred in SNU-790, Nthy-ori 3-1, and BCPAP at a seeding density of 2 × 104. Other conditions showed no significant differences.
Conclusion:
This study comprehensively evaluates the effects of simulated microgravity using a diverse panel of thyroid-related cell lines. These findings provide valuable insight into how microgravity could influence cancer biology, emphasizing the importance of further research on cancer behavior in space environments and its implications for human health during long-term space missions.
Insights
Microgravity affects thyroid cells by altering gene expression and increasing cancer cell migration and invasion. These findings are crucial for understanding cancer risks during space exploration and ensuring astronaut health.
Area of Science:
- Space biology
- Cancer research
- Genomics
Background:
- Understanding microgravity's impact on human health is vital for space exploration.
- This study investigates gene expression and cell behavior in thyroid-related cell lines under simulated microgravity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze gene expression changes in thyroid cells exposed to simulated microgravity.
- To assess the impact of simulated microgravity on thyroid cancer cell migration and invasion.
Main Methods:
- Five thyroid cell lines were cultured under simulated microgravity (10-3 g) using a clinostat.
- Gene expression was analyzed via cDNA microarray, and cell aggressiveness was assessed using Transwell assays.
Main Results:
- Simulated microgravity induced distinct gene expression profiles across cell lines, with significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) observed.
- Papillary thyroid cancer cells showed upregulated G2-M phase genes, while other cell types exhibited altered innate immune and HIF-1α signaling pathways.
- Enhanced migration and invasion capabilities were noted in specific thyroid cancer cell lines under simulated microgravity.
Conclusions:
- Simulated microgravity significantly influences thyroid cell gene expression and aggressiveness.
- These findings highlight the potential impact of microgravity on cancer biology, relevant for long-term space missions and human health.
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